Justin Langer appointed as new head coach of Australia

3 May 2018

Justin Langer has been appointed as the new head coach of the Australian cricket team, Cricket Australia announced on Thursday (May 3).

The former opener has been appointed for a four-year term and will be in charge of the side for all three formats.

The 47-year-old has represented Australia in 105 Tests and eight ODIs, having scored 7696 Test runs, which includes 23 centuries. He was an integral member of the Australian side during its successful era through the early 2000s.

Apart from being an interim coach of the national side on multiple occasions, Langer has been in charge of Western Australia and Perth Scorchers since November 2012. Under him, the Scorchers have won three Big Bash tournaments and led the Western Warriors to two 50-over domestic titles.

Langer’s appointment comes in the aftermath of Darren Lehmann’s resignation as head coach post the ball tampering scandal in the fourth Test against South Africa, involving captain Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner.

“We are thrilled to appoint Justin as Head Coach of the Australian Men’s Cricket Team,” Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said in a press conference. “Whilst Darren Lehmann was not due to complete his term until next year, we have had a succession plan in place for this role for some time.

“We firmly believe Justin is the right person to lead this team and have huge confidence in what he will bring to the role. Justin’s work ethic, leadership and values are among his strongest attributes – and he is widely respected across the global cricket community,” concluded Mr Sutherland.

Speaking on his appointment, Langer, said: “It is humbling to be appointed as coach of the Australian Men’s Cricket Team.”I would like to thank the Western Australian Cricket Association and the Perth Scorchers for their support over the past six seasons, and for giving me the opportunity to lead and work with two great teams and many exceptional people.

“I am very excited about the scope I now have to coach the country that supported me so much in my cricketing career. There will be some significant challenges ahead for our group, but there is a wealth of talent in Australian cricket that I know will do us all proud.